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Pigskin-picking camel dies before Super Bowl

SHE PICKS WINNERS: John Bergmann, general manager of Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township N.J. scratches the neck of Princess, a Bactrian camel famous for her ability to correctly predict the winner of football games. Photo: Associated Press

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey’s pigskin-prognosticating camel has died just weeks before the state is set to host its first Super Bowl.

Princess was a fixture at the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township for 10 years and gained fame for picking winners.

Zoo manager John Bergmann tells the Asbury Park Press the 26-year-old Bactrian camel was euthanized after arthritis made it impossible for her to stand.

Princess’ made her picks with graham crackers. Bergmann would hold one in each hand, marked with the names of the competing teams. Whichever hand she chose was her prediction.